Two farms work to meet community needs.
What farmers are up to through the year.
MEET A FARMER
Meet cranberry grower Amber Bristow.
Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center and Food + Farm Exploration Center.
WISCONSIN STATE FAIR BINGO
Explore all the great things at Wisconsin State Fair.
Select local food with confidence.
SIZZLE SEASON
Grilling tips for your summer.
Four courses featuring local ingredients.
We all depend on our farming community for safe, affordable and abundant food. But agriculture is so much more – it is how we feed our families, provides economic vitality for our communities and is a leader in preserving our natural resources.
Here at Gather Wisconsin, our focus is connecting you with the farmers growing and raising your family’s food through education, valuable resources and sustainable ideas to support farmers from home.
Our website launched last year with the mission of showcasing connections between food, farming and families. Updated weekly with insightful blog posts, mouthwatering recipes and enriching content, our website has become a centralized hub for information regarding Wisconsin agriculture.
This year, we have set out to do the same with the addition of this annual, single-issue magazine.
In the farming section, learn how two farms are serving their community through unique dairy products and on-farm experiences. If you have ever wondered what is going on a farm or in a field during the year, check out what farmers are up to each month starting on page 8.
Our family section highlights several agricultural experiences for both young and old throughout the year. Plan a family outing with information on the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc, the Food + Farm Exploration Center in Plover, the Wisconsin State Fair and several other agritourism locations from across the state starting on page 12.
Last but certainly not least, our food section will give you confidence in your food purchasing decisions. We share tips for sourcing quality, inseason ingredients and for staying safe while grilling starting on page 17.
Agriculture goes beyond farming; it is the backbone of our daily lives, providing food, fiber and resources that sustain us. The importance of agriculture is evident in every meal we consume, the clothes we wear and the natural resources we rely on. By understanding and supporting agricultural practices, we are ensuring the health, sustainability and resilience of our communities and environment for future generations.
We hope you enjoy this magazine as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. Through Gather Wisconsin, we aim to bridge the gap between farm and table, fostering a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our state’s farmers. As you explore the stories, tips and recipes within these pages, we invite you to connect with the agricultural community that nourishes us all. Thank you for being a part of our mission to celebrate and support Wisconsin agriculture.
Happy reading!
Hungry for more? Visit us now at gatherwisconsin.com!
We often forget how big of a role farmers and agriculture play in our basic needs.
As consumers, farming isn’t something that’s always front of mind but everyday farmers and ranchers wake up to do tough jobs that ultimately help feed our communities and our country.
More than 96% of Wisconsin's farms are in the caring hands of families, weaving a beautiful narrative of tradition, innovation and sustainability.
Gather Wisconsin helps you explore how these dedicated farmers embrace cutting-edge technology and find new ways to be and remain sustainable for generations to come. We like to refer to these forward-thinking farmers as our Leaders of the Land.
Did you know that many farmers leverage a team to be successful? Learn more about this in the collaboration section at gatherwisconsin.com/farming.
Mostly though, we know that farming can seem complicated and confusing. We give you an outlet on our website to ask your questions to a real farmer, so you can be sure to get the truthful answers. Interested in engaging with a farmer? Head to gatherwisconsin.com/farming/ask-a-farmer.
By Cassie Sonnentag
Agriculture is a vital piece of Wisconsin's rural communities. From barns to fields, farmers are committed to helping others gain first-hand experiences on the farm and meeting the needs of their local communities.
Two dairy farms are doing just that through unique products and on-farm opportunities you can take advantage of with your family.
For years, the Fritsch family housed a couple of Guernsey cows that they exhibited at fairs at a different farm. Sharing a love for the breed, Tammy Fritsch and her daughter Breanna saw the opportunity to offer a niche product while also fulfilling their own goal of bringing their cows home to their farm in Freedom.
“We needed to figure out a way to do that and generate revenue to make it happen,” Tammy said. “Nobody picks up milk from 2-3 cows.”
The result? Two Guernsey Girls Creamery – a microdairy with an on-farm store specializing in bottled milk and handcrafted cheeses.
Starting with just five cows in July 2021, Tammy said the community response to Two Guernsey Girls Creamery has been inspiring.
“We sell out all the time,” Tammy said. “We were milking nine cows last fall and could not keep up. As of today, we are milking 13 cows and project to be at 17 by the end of the year.”
Guernsey cows are known for producing A2 milk, an easier-to-digest, full dairy option that is A1 beta-casein free. Only about 2% of the population is lactose intolerant; remaining dairy allergies are related to the proteins in milk. Of their customers, more than 200 people come to the farm every two weeks due to a dairy sensitivity.
“Guernseys have the highest percentage of A2 milk qualities of any breed,” Tammy explained. “A2 is easier on sensitive stomachs and is easier on digestion.”
Tammy also shared that while their milk is pasteurized, it is not homogenized. This allows cream to stay in the milk which also eases digestion for those with dairy sensitivities.
While the popularity of their products continue to grow, Tammy said they plan to remain a microdairy.
“We only have five acres here, so we are at our max,” Tammy said.
“However, we are hoping to introduce another A2 product this summer that is currently in the works.”
Two Guernsey Girls Creamery makes fresh cheese curds three days a week and have eight-ounce blocks of white cheddar cheese in multiple flavors. They also offer white, chocolate and seasonally flavored milk options in gallon and half-gallon sizes. Their chocolate milk was recognized as the best chocolate milk in the state during the 2023 Wisconsin State Fair.
She said she loves seeing others experience agriculture through their products.
“We always have animals available here for viewing – that’s something you just don’t see at your retail grocery store,” Tammy said. “Customers get to see the cows and six hours later, I’m bottling that cow’s milk right here.”
Two Guernsey Girls Creamery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at W1872 County Rd UU, Freedom, WI. Learn more by liking "Two Guernsey Girls Creamery" on Facebook.
As the city of Stevens Point began to expand, the Feltz family saw an opportunity to make their farm a community destination. Ken and Jackie Feltz, along with their children Jake, Jared and Taryn, own Feltz Family Farms and Dairy Store, featuring farmstead cheese, a petting zoo and onfarm store.
“We love to show people what we are doing,” said dairy store manager Jake Feltz. “There is a real sense of community here as people come out to try our cheese and see the cows up close.”
Located just outside of the city limits of Stevens Point, the Feltz’s were looking for ways they could support multiple families as their children came back to the farm. They officially opened their doors in June 2017 with the mission of being family-friendly.
“We wanted become a local attraction for families to come and experience agriculture firsthand,” said Jake.
The farm added a farmstead cheese plant in the summer of 2021. Farm-fresh milk straight from the robots that milk their 600 cows is made into fresh cheese curds every morning and have increasingly grown in popularity.
“The curds are by far our most popular product; we are already outgrowing our capacity as more and more people come to enjoy them,” said Jake, who also happens to be a licensed cheesemaker.
Feltz’s Dairy Store offers many dairy products, agricultural items and local specialty goods. The store features viewing windows into the robot barn that allow visitors to observe the cows being milked, while enjoying an ice cream cone or some delicious fresh cheese curds.
Fall is a particularly special time of year at Feltz’s, which offers a seasonal corn maze and pumpkin patch in addition to its year-round opportunities.
“It is important to us to keep an open door for our community,” Jake explained. “We thoroughly enjoy interacting with people and showing them what it is like on a dairy farm.”
Feltz’s Dairy Store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is at 5796 Porter Drive, Stevens Point. Learn more about Feltz’s Dairy Store by visiting feltzsdairystore.com.
Have you ever driven by a farm field and wondered what the farmer was doing or what was growing there? It might be one of Wisconsin’s top-ranked crops like corn for silage, cranberries, snap beans or ginseng. Wisconsin also ranks in the top five states for production of potatoes, sweet corn and many others. No matter the product, Wisconsin farmers work hard all year to contribute to safe, sustainable food supply. Explore the calendar year to discover when your favorite Wisconsin product is grown and harvested.
Farmers prepare for the growing season by maintaining their equipment and planning which crops to plant.
Vegetable growers start seeding their crops indoors. Cucumbers, tomatoes and celery may be started indoors before they are transplanted outside.
Maple syrup is the first harvested crop in the agricultural season. Soil tests help farmers measure the nutrients available in the soil to grow crops.
Potatoes are planted in the central sands of Wisconsin. Apple trees begin to blossom. Snap beans are planted in the cooler weather.
Major crops like field corn and soybeans are planted in May. Sweet corn is planted. Cherry trees bloom.
Asparagus and Rhubarb are ready to be picked.
Farmers use choppers and balers to harvest alfalfa to feed dairy cows. Winter wheat is harvested. Strawberries are ready to be harvested.
01 03 05 02 04 06
June
07 09 11 08 10 12
Blueberries and cherries are ready for picking. Snap bean harvest begins. Potato harvest begins. Sweet corn is ready for picking.
Cranberry beds are flooded to harvest the state fruit in September. Choppers are used to harvest corn silage. Ginseng is picked by hand.
Machines called combines harvest corn and soybeans throughout October. Pumpkins, winter squash and gourds are ripe for picking.
Winter wheat is planted after corn and soybean harvest. The plant is dormant during the winter.
Christmas trees are harvested in December.
Hi! My name is Amber and I’m a fifth-generation cranberry grower in Warrens. My family started our farm in 1918 with just 11 acres of cranberries. Over the generations, we have expanded to more than 250 acres of cranberries with an additional 700 acres of other land. We are proud to be members of the Ocean Spray cooperative where all our fruit is sent to be made into your favorite cranberry items like juice, sauce and sweetened dried cranberries.
Every day as a cranberry farmer is unique and different based on the season. Summer is busy with watering and watching blooms turn to berries and maintaining plant health and keeping an eye out for pests. We work closely with our integrated pest management team to know how and when to apply treatments.
Everything you learn about growing cranberries is passed down from generation to generation. I love that it makes me feel a closer connection to previous generations because even though technology has changed, the same basic principles remain the same.
To me, sustainability means leaving the land in better condition for the next generation than when you started. Sustainability means testing the vine and soil health multiple times in the year to ensure the nitrogen levels are within a sustainable range. It’s about recycling our water throughout the year and sharing with our neighbors. Sustainability is the reason why we can survive, thrive and keep coming back 100-plus years. It is everything for us.
We have a very active little boy that loves learning about the farm and all the trucks and tractors. It’s so fun to watch him grow up experiencing the same love of farming that I had as a child.
Learn more about growing cranberries in Wisconsin by following @cranberrychats on Facebook and Instagram.
Amber is also one of the hosts of Forward Farming podcast. Listen to @forwardfarmingpodcast wherever you listen to podcasts.
You do not have to look far to find ways to experience and support Wisconsin agriculture in your diet.
From joyous laughter at the Wisconsin State Fair to the thrill of discovery at our state’s agritourism destinations, experiencing food and farming is a family affair. Gather Wisconsin encourages you to visit your local farms and helps you plan for this experience.
Feeding your family healthy and nutritious food is important. Gather Wisconsin helps you make smart shopping decisions while at the grocery store and lays out the components of a healthy and sustainable diet.
Find all this information by visiting gatherwisconsin.com/family.
By Amy Eckelberg
Holy cow! You’ve managed to find a day that you can spend time with the family. But, now what do you do? Wisconsin has two places that you might not have heard of yet that might just check the boxes. Not only are they fun but you’ll learn a lot, too. Oh, and they are open rain or shine so that’s a perk, too.
Located in northeast Wisconsin, in southern Manitowoc County, the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center’s barn can be seen on the west side of Interstate-43.
Open since 2018, this innovative center has something for the whole family including a birthing barn, where if you hit it just right you might just see a calf born. You can even take a virtual tour of a local dairy farm to learn how Wisconsin dairy farms operate with current technology and sustainability practices. By exploring the
interactive exhibits you’ll see how science and technology have made food production and the processing of that food more efficient.
"We strive to provide a comprehensive view of modern Wisconsin agriculture," said Farm Wisconsin's Executive Director Patty Lehn. "Visitors always walk away learning far more than they expected—even current farmers learn things about the many other commodities grown in the state."
Lehn also credits collaborations with providing a better visitor experience. "We developed a special event schedule to go deeper into individual topics throughout the year," she added. "That is one great way for farmers and food producers to interact with consumers, and it's incredibly inspiring interactions every time."
Admission for adults is $16, seniors are $14, children from ages 3-18 are $10 and children ages 2 and under are free. They are open from Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With your general admission ticket you can explore the 10,000 square-foot interactive exhibit experience, take the virtual tour of a modern dairy farm and take in the Land O'Lakes Birthing Barn.
The Food + Farm Exploration Center opened in December 2023 as a place for education, unforgettable family experiences, lots of fun and great wholesome food.
Located in Plover, the exploration center not only serves as a good resource for teachers and schools but also as a destination for family excursions and tourists. Regardless of age or background, everyone will find immersive, multi-sensory activities and exhibits that will give them a new perspective on food and agriculture. More than 60 exhibits are housed in the exploration center.
There is a café on site for you to grab a bite to eat. The cafe features many Wisconsin flavors and offers 16 rotating flavors of Cedar Crest ice cream year-round. The Wisconsin Café is open Thursday – Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Whether you are 2 or 102, Farm Wisconsin is an experience for all ages!
“Wisconsin and its farms feed the nation and the world,” said Executive Director Andy Reitz. “This one-ofa-kind facility will allow current and future generations to learn about innovation and sustainability in agriculture.”
The exploration center focuses on showcasing the technology used in food production. Visitors are able to sit in a tractor simulator and engage in many exhibits that further explain how farmers use technology to grow food.
How farmers use water and resources is also highlighted. You can play in interactive sandboxes and even test your skills in harvesting your own crop.
everything in between. You can even sit in the driver’s seat.
Oh, and I can’t forget to mention that Plover is now the home to the World’s Largest Potato Masher. You’ll want to get a photo with this iconic Wisconsin landmark.
“There is a profound need to reconnect people to agriculture, for them to understand really where their food is coming from,” said Founder and President of the Food + Farm Exploration Center Richard Pavelski. “The center provides a place to do just that. We are bringing everyone to the table here to learn about how we farm sustainably, the technology we use, how it gets to the grocery store and how that can help in feeding the world. Come see for yourself!”
Younger children can visit the grocery store and food truck to play and experience food preparation.
The Farm Tech Shed is a popular place as you get to be face-toface with the equipment farmers use for planting, harvesting and
The Food + Farm Exploration Center is a nonprofit organization and relies on support to ensure we can continue creating opportunities for exploration.
Visitors are asked to pre-purchase tickets online by visiting explorefoodandfarm.org. Check the website for ticket prices and exhibit space hours.
We all have a responsibility to care for our planet. Farmers implement many conservation practices and recycling efforts to be more sustainable on their farms. You can complement this work by reducing your impact at home. Although we are fortunate here in Wisconsin to enjoy plentiful water sources, it’s important to use it safely and responsibly.
Turn off the tap when you scrub your dishes. Doing so can save up to 200 gallons a month.
Better yet, use your dishwasher. Newer models are more efficient and can use less than a fifth of water compared to hand-washing dishes in the sink.
Instead of buying single-use plastic bottles, use a water filter to purify your tap water for both drinking and cooking.
Try these tips in your home to reach your own sustainability goals. Find more sustainable tips for the home at gatherwisconsin.com/family/sustainability-at-home.
Planning to visit the Wisconsin State Fair? Take this card along (or find it digitally at gatherwisconsin.com) and see if you can get a bingo. Hit all your favorite experiences and try a few new ones. Mostly, have fun and take in all you can at this once-a-year event.
Visit Dairy Lane
Visit the sheep barn
Try food from a Sporkie’s finalist
Check out the CASE IH Tractor Display
Pick a pig to cheer on at the pig races
Snap a photo of your Gather Wisconsin cup at the milk stand
Try a honey stick in the Wisconsin Products Pavilion
Find a FFA State Officer
Watch a cream puff being made in the cream puff pavilion
Go down the big yellow slide
FREE SPACE
Stop by the Discovery Barnyard Grand Champion Hall
Find the Camp of Champions or a Grand Champion exhibit Walk through the poultry and rabbit barn
Watch a milking demonstration
Try the grilled ‘cheese pull’ at Real Wisconsin Cheese Grill
Grab a baked potato from the Wisconsin Products Pavilion
Visit the Dairyland Shake Shop or the FFA Ice Cream Sundae booth
Ride the Wonderfair wheel
Take a picture with Alice of Dairyland Watch a livestock show
Take a ride on the Skyglider
Find the horse barn
Take in a live performance
Summer and fall can get pretty jam-packed with get-togethers and events. If you are looking to take a day to have some fun as a family and do something different than the traditional pool day or children’s museum visit, consider these agritourism spots. You’ll not only have fun but might learn more about Wisconsin farmers at the same time.
Govin's Farm is located East of Menomonie in northwestern Wisconsin. Owned by John and Julie Govin, their entire family enjoys sharing their love of farming with the community. Seasonally they host a variety of events that are fun for all ages. This summer and fall you can stop by to pick your own strawberries and purchase lamb products or take part in their fall festivities complete with a corn maze.
Visit govinsfarm.com to learn more and plan your visit.
Jelli’s Market in Helenville has something for everyone and something different for each season. Located between Madison and Milwaukee this farm is a perfect place for a pit stop. Steve and Jody Knoebel own and operate the business, along with their daughters Jessica, Lindsay and Libby.
The farm grows strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, asparagus and sweet corn. They also sell plants in the spring and other produce from their two acres garden. Their apple orchard is also a huge hit in the fall. With nearly 5,000 trees, a large percentage are Honeycrisp variety, but they have Macintosh, Snowsweet and many other varieties as well.
Visit jellismarket.com to learn more and plan your visit.
Owned by Wayne and Jo Kaufman, this special Wisconsin family-owned farm is located between Oshkosh, Ripon and Berlin. With the help of their son, Wade, Kaufman Farms has a spring-to-fall greenhouse as well as an annual one-of-a-kind corn maze and other fall activities.
This year they are partnering with the NFL Draft on an 18-acre corn maze. You’ll want to see it for yourself so make plans in the fall to visit this farm if that is of interest.
Visit petalsandplows.com to learn more and to plan your visit.
To find more farm-focused spots around Wisconsin, visit wiagtourism.com.
When it comes to gathering together, food is
Beyond its nourishing essence, food serves as a universal language. Whether it's the enticing aroma of spices or the vibrant hues of a communal feast, family meals possess an innate ability to initiate conversations and dissolve barriers.
The beauty of food is not just in its taste, but in its ability to foster a sense of unity and create enduring memories that linger well after the last bite.
Gather Wisconsin helps you learn how to make the best choices for your family by knowing where to purchase your food, how to prepare it safely and how to interpret food labels.
Gather Wisconsin also has a hub of favorite recipes made with ingredients grown or raised right here in our state.
Head to gatherwisconsin.com/food for these helpful resources.
It’s nice to have the satisfaction of knowing where your food comes from. Here's how you can effortlessly support Wisconsin farmers while relishing the joy of fresh, locally-grown food.
Local farmer's markets serve as hubs to directly engage with the faces behind your food. These markets offer a diverse array of products, from seasonal fruits and vegetables to locally-sourced meats and dairy.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, consider buying directly from the farm. Some offer the opportunity to visit their farm to learn more about their business. These visits provide a unique opportunity to witness the passion and dedication that goes into each harvest.
Many Wisconsin grocery stores proudly carry products sourced from family farmers across the state. From fresh vegetables to dairy, these items often travel a short distance from the farm to your table, ensuring optimal freshness.
Our state’s availability of a diverse pool of crops, commodities and meats allow food items to retain their freshness. For example, milk takes less than 48 hours to travel from the farm to your local grocery store.
Wisconsin takes pride in its top products like cheese and cranberries, which often come with a certified seal. This seal acts as a guarantee that you are purchasing a locally-produced item.
As much as we would like to eat our favorite foods year-round, buying foods when they are in season means they can be purchased directly from a local grower shortly after harvest. Plus, they are often fresher as they don’t have a long journey to the store. Most importantly, peak season food tastes best!
Wisconsin is a leader in many food products, including but not limited to: milk, cheese, cranberries, ginseng, cherries, snap beans, potatoes, carrots, sweet corn, green peas and cabbage. We also are home to a variety of butchers and meat processors, allowing us to offer safe, affordable protein options. By intentionally including Wisconsin crops on your grocery list, you are making a conscious choice to support local farmers and sustain the state's agricultural legacy.
Supporting Wisconsin farmers is more than a choice; its an investment in local communities and preserving our state’s rich agriculture traditions. Whether you choose to buy directly from the farm, explore a farmers market or shopping in the grocery store, you are building a connection with Wisconsin’s farming community.
All seasons very depending on your location in the state, but this chart shows approximately when berries and vegetables are in season and available in Wisconsin.
By Rachel Klinkner
Food hitting a sizzling grill is most definitely a sound of summer. When grills start making their appearances you know that summer has officially arrived. When grilling, it is important to understand the proper cooking methods for different types of meat and other foods. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your grilling experience.
Be mindful of temperatures throughout the grilling process. When storing ingredients, make sure to keep food items chilled at or below 40 degrees. Bacteria growth happens rapidly from 40 to 140 degrees, so it is also important to monitor internal cooking temperatures with the use of a food thermometer.
Know your internal temps! Make sure you’re cooking your food all the way before serving.
Temperature Product
At least 145° Beef, pork, veal and lamb (not ground), fish and shellfish, fresh or smoked ham
At least 160° Beef, pork, veal and lamb (ground), eggs
At least 165° Chicken and turkey, leftovers, cooked ham
Although frozen products may be pre-cooked or browned, treat them as raw food and cook thoroughly. When preparing to grill frozen meats, you can thaw beef, pork, poultry, or fish safely in the refrigerator, cold water or the microwave. Cook meat after it is thawed.
It is important to keep your grill and grilling instruments clean. All it takes is water, soap and paper towels. When preparing food, separate raw meat and vegetables by using different cutting boards to avoid cross contamination.
Vegetables that can withstand the grill and get a great flavor with charring make for a great addition to your plate. Corn, asparagus, eggplant, zucchini, cabbage, artichokes, bell peppers, and mushrooms are some of the best vegetables to grill! Check out what is in season on page 19 to eat fresh throughout the summer.
Just like meat, there are some important tips to consider when grilling vegetables:
• Tips and Tricks – Oil vegetables lightly before putting them on the grill so they don’t dry out. Cutting vegetables into smaller pieces will allow them to cook quicker. With smaller pieces, try using a skewer or a grill basket so they don’t fall through the grates.
• You can also try cooking in packets if you don’t feel like babysitting your veggies. This method involves a long piece of foil that is coated in nonstick cooking spray and filled with vegetables. To close it up, it must be folded over and pinched on the edges. Place on grill and let it do the rest!
• Be mindful of time. Some veggies only take a minute or two to cook while others take longer. The denser the vegetable the longer it will take to cook. To prevent burning, grill vegetables over high heat, then move them to a cooler part to finish cooking.
Get ready to elevate your outdoor dining experience with a mouthwatering selection of dishes designed to spice up your flavors on the grill and tantalize your taste buds. We've curated the perfect lineup of recipes to make your next cookout a sizzling success. So, fire up the grill, gather your friends and family and enjoy the delicious flavors of Wisconsin.
This salsa is a refreshing appetizer perfect for any occasion. Made with diced cranberries, spicy jalapeno and a hint of sweetness from sugar and lemon juice, this dip offers a perfect balance of flavors. Simply spread mascarpone cheese on the bottom of a dish, top it with the vibrant cranberry mixture and serve with crisp Ritz crackers for a deliciously addictive snack that will leave your guests craving more.
This main course highlights the sweet and tangy flavors of Wisconsin cherries, infusing the chicken thighs with a delicious glaze that's perfect for summer grilling. Enjoy the taste of Wisconsin in every bite.
Indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy Wisconsin cheese stuffed inside perfectly grilled potatoes. Each bite offers a delicious blend of cheesy goodness and smoky grilled flavor, making these potatoes a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve them as a hearty side dish garnished with fresh chives or green onions for a finishing touch.
Indulge in the rich, smoky flavors of our Wisconsin apple crisp, a delectable twist on a classic dessert. Featuring locally sourced apples, gently smoked to enhance their natural sweetness, this dish offers a balanced blend of savory and sweet. Topped with a crunchy oat crumble, it's a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
